Kovač Has Faith in New Keeper

If Croatia’s last two goal keepers are anything to go by, then Danijel Subašić can look forward to a truck full of international caps in the up coming years…

Croatia coach Niko Kovač was left searching for a new stopper this week after 114-cap veteran Stipe Pletikosa called time on his international career, and it is Subašić (29) who is first cab off the rank.

“Subašić for his club and country has shown that he is a keeper that we can count on with complete faith. He has patiently waited his chance and now he will get it in the EURO 2016 qualifiers,” said Kovač about the Monaco number one.

Croatia has had the benefit of having two fine glovemen over the past two decades. Dražen Ladić, who played 59 times for Croatia, left a hole in the side when he retired in 2000 at the age of 37, but Croatia was fortunate enough to find a replacement in Pletikosa, who went on to represent Croatia at five major tournaments (EURO 2008, 2012, World Cup 2002, 2006, 2014).

“Stipe always provided stability and security to the side, he will depart as one of the greats.” said Kovač. (pic: Drago Sopta / HNS)